WAY FORWARD The way forward 1. What were the developments in the media environment in the last few years? • • • • • • • • Privatisation was announced. The State prepared and accepted this and it remains to be put into place. Allocating Funds for the Support and Developpment for the Media even if the total budget was adjusted downwards. The CNCA (National Council of Audiovisual Communciation) changed its statute to HACA (High Authority on Audiovisual Communication). If the document did not undergo major amendments, the High Authority represents progress seeing that it will be in charge of the privatisation and the organisation of the workplace, whereby public service media owners will continue to be selected through calls for application. Unfortunately, given that it is not yet approved by parliament, this procedure is not yet compulsory. change of status of the CNP (National Press Council) to non-permanent membership. The Head of State, for the first time, summons the media to convey his New Year’s greetings for 2012, which was perceived as a symbolical mark of consideration towards media professionals. the media benefits from tax and customs duty exemption for a period of three years. Strengthened support for media businesses is announced. The Fraternité Matin Group has acquired a high-performance rotary press. 2. What kind of activities are needed over the next few years? • • • • • The State will call for a National General Media Assembly in May 2012. The State is to put the finishing touches on the privatisation, the HACA, associations and professional organisations. The Collective Bargaining Agreement is to be put into place. The General Assembly is to determine consensual criteria to ensure access/eligibility to the Funds for Support and Developpment. The General Assembly is to determine a status for local radio staff and private media correspondents. The panel convened in Bassam from 14 to 15 April 2012. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER COTE D’IVOIRE 2012 115